The Madras High Court refused to quash the Greater Chennai Corporation’s resolution to privatise sanitation work, while making it clear that the workers’ pay cannot be reduced below the minimum wage.Justice K. Surendar disposed of petitions filed by the Uzhaippor Urumai Iyakkam, which sought to annul the Corporation’s decision to privatise sanitation services in Zone 5 (Royapuram) and Zone 6 (Thiru Vi Ka Nagar).
While permitting the privatization, the court directed that sanitary workers must be paid no less than the minimum wage of Rs 793 per day. “The first respondent (Commissioner, GCC) ought to have ensured that the sanitary workers who would work for Ramky are paid at least the minimum wages and their last wages paid by GCC, if not more. Any reduction would adversely affect their day-to-day needs and create difficulties for them and their families,” the court noted.
The court also clarified that workers retain the right to agitate for their rights under existing laws, and their employment status remains the same as on July 31, the last date of work under the GCC. It further stated that the question of retrenchment does not arise, rejecting claims that the privatization amounted to termination of service.
In response to the verdict, the workers’ union described it as a victory and a “blow” to private companies Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited and Sumeet Urbaser, which have taken over sanitation work in 11 zones of the Greater Chennai Corporation.